Auburn alumna begins career journey at Regions Bank, thanks to key relationships between the two organizations

Madeline Akins is quick to credit Auburn University with setting up her career journey. 

“One of the most important things is how Auburn prepared me not only technically but with soft skills,” she said. “Auburn helped me learn how to prepare and present information, work on projects with groups and network/communicate with a variety of different people.”

The 2021 Auburn alumna received her degree in finance, and she quickly landed a job she loves at Regions Bank. For years, Regions has actively recruited Auburn students to job opportunities at the bank.

“My favorite part of my job is how not every day is the same, and what we are working on varies but always has the Regions mission — to make life better in the communities it serves — in full focus. I also love the people I work with, and the strong culture at Regions,” she said of her role on Regions Bank’s Corporate Development – Mergers and Acquisitions team. 

Akins — a Helena, Alabama, native who currently lives in Birmingham, works to identify and evaluate potential opportunities for Regions from a strategic and financial perspective and execute a seamless acquisition process. The opportunity is one that was made possible via an internship Akins learned of through Auburn’s Financial Management Association (FMA). She applied through Auburn’s online Handshake platform — the key tool for Auburn University students to use in finding jobs, internships and co-ops. 

Two interviews later, Akins was hired.

Her advice to students?

“Take finance classes that are interesting to you and stay on top of Handshake so you know when applications are open,” she said. “The timeline is always earlier than you think. Also, during the interview process, be yourself. From my experience, Regions wants to see your personality and what makes you unique.”

Akins said Regions has remained a key supporter of Auburn students, and that effort will continue on April 1 with a Regions Day on the Plains event from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with activities across Auburn’s campus. Last year, the event drew dozens of Regions associates—from across all lines of business—to meet with students from several academic departments. The networking opportunities for students an opportunity to learn more about a career with the financial institution.

“Regions comes to campus a lot for speaker events, career fairs and networking events,” Akins said. “This gave me the opportunity to meet people, learn about different opportunities and build connections.”

On April 1, about 30 Regions representatives will be on campus, including several leaders from various divisions within the organization, all focused on student recruiting and financial education. 

Auburn students are encouraged to register for the event on Handshake.

Components that will be open to all Auburn students include:

• Teaching and conducting a “financial wellness reality check” taught by Regions Office of Community Affairs. Here, students can participate in interactive scenarios that represent the financial realities people face every day in managing their spending, paying down debts, building savings and more. April 1 starts Financial Literacy Month, and the bank has many resources to share with students to help lay the foundation for financial confidence.

• 9:30-11 a.m. in the Melton Student Center, Ballroom A (3rd Floor)

• An industry insider luncheon where students can learn about a day in the life of Regions professionals and the diversity of career opportunities Regions has available.
  • Noon, Melton Student Center, Room 2222 & 2223
• A big tent on the Campus Green where Regions will host a fun and lively event to interact with and promote employment opportunities to students of all majors.
  • 10-11:30 a.m. Campus Green

Akins said such connections are invaluable and indicative of the Auburn student experience and all that makes the Auburn Family great.

“Auburn is a special place, and I look forward to being on campus with Regions soon to connect more people to the great opportunities I’ve experienced at Regions.”